Which Chicago kids advanced to the next round of 'MasterChef Junior?'

Eight-year-old Avani Shah looked like she was in trouble as time ticked down in her quest to earn a "MasterChef Junior" apron.

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Avani, who lives in River North, and three other young cooks were tasked with making a chicken dish in 30 minutes on Thursday's episode of the Fox competition. Avani made Thai curry chicken, but noticed her basmati rice was too watery as she was getting ready to plate her dish.

"Get it on the plate, girl," judge Christina Tosi yelled.

In the end, Tosi praised the heat and creaminess of Avani's chicken with potatoes, peas, jalapenos, bell peppers and shallots.

"Your cut of chicken was very smart. That dark meat is able to hold its own, but I would have loved for you to cook those peppers down a little bit more so they're not as crunchy. Nice job," Tosi said.

Avani, now 9 years old, joins Chicagoans Charlie Hans, 10, and Evan Robinson, 11, in the next round. Half of the 40 contestants, including Chicagoans Na'Imah Johnson and Logan Hagene, were sent home in the two-part premiere. Charlie's and Evan's battles were not shown on Thursday's episode.

Charlie told the Tribune he served a twist on his signature "drake burger" with fried pickles. Evan said he made chili shrimp pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes and roasted pinenuts.